The MLB offseason buzz centers around one big name: Juan Soto. Former player and broadcaster Ron Darling offered a balanced perspective on whether the New York Mets should go all-in to acquire him.
Going “all-in” on any single player, Darling noted, can be risky. Just like in life—or even at a buffet—it’s often better to mix things up rather than committing fully to just one option. Go for a variety, explore your choices. Save the all-in approach for finding a life partner or supporting family.
Darling’s conservative take isn’t shared by everyone, though. Former Mets GM Zack Scott had a different take.
Scott lightly challenged Darling’s view, suggesting there’s more to consider. He pointed out the impact a single player can have, referencing how the Yankees haven’t been to a World Series since 2009 and the Dodgers’ massive contracts, including the big Shohei Ohtani deal.
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While Darling didn’t dismiss Soto’s potential fit with the Mets, he argued it’s not worth panic if Soto signs elsewhere. Scott, on the other hand, sees Soto’s potential to make a real difference. Both agree that adding Soto could be great—as long as it doesn’t limit other moves the Mets might need.
Mets fans are familiar with both big wins and big misses on top free agents, even under Steve Cohen’s ownership. Just a few years ago, the team landed Max Scherzer, then later Justin Verlander. David Stearns, the team’s new decision-maker, is likely weighing Darling and Scott’s views alike, balancing Soto’s potential impact with the need for smart, supporting moves and emerging prospects.
